Why do industrial companies show different posture towards supply networks sustainability? A multiple case studies analysis

This research aims at moving a step forward toward the understanding of why industrial companies show different postures toward sustainability in their supply networks. Specifically, the role played by external pressures (i.e., from government and market) and internal capabilities (i.e., organizational commitment, supply management capabilities, innovation power) in determining companies’ attitude toward suppliers’ sustainability is theoretically and empirically investigated. To achieve our objectives, a multiple case studies analysis was performed since it is particularly suited when new complex phenomena are approached. This paper contributes to former literature by proposing a new comprehensive model specifying the role played by sustainable supply chain management’ (SSCM) antecedents in driving industrial companies’ postures.